For Monday, September 18th, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2017

3 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 7:12 am

 Sunset: 7:32 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Respect Day which has been created to encourage people to focus more on ways in which they can be respectful to others.

For many the day involves being more attentive to loved ones, but it can really be used as a catalyst for treating any people with a more polite approach.

There are no rules surrounding ways in which you could celebrate this year, it’s really up to you.  Respect isn’t something that should only be given once a year and hopefully the day will inspire people to think more about how they treat others all year around.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly becomes any of us
To talk about the rest of us.

Edward Wallis Hoch

I do have a lot of respect for others.  I respect the old for all they have done and I respect the young for all they will have to do.  This past weekend was a mixture of both. Getting together with family both young and old.  I have pictures of some of my immediate family and one of 3 of my aunts as we celebrated one of their birthdays.  

Besides all the fun of being together with loved ones, I ate a lot of good food too.  At the apple festival I had cabbage and noodles and potato pancakes and also got some apple cider.  It’s the first of the season for me and I love it both hot and cold.  

One of my cousins cooked for the birthday party and she is a very good cook for sure.  She had lots of options to choose from but I choose some kraut with sausage and homemade bread.  She makes her own sauerkraut and it was delicious.  She also made a soup with beans, kraut and ham that was new to me so I had to have some of that too.  Dessert was some delicious chocolate with macadamia nuts and also a pumpkin pie that one of my aunts had made.  By the end of the day I was stuffed !

After a busy Sunday, it’s back to work as usual here at my house today but I am supposed to have lunch with my old camping buddy, so that will be a pleasant break away from the routine. I only say old as our families used to camp together many years ago.  We share many happy memories of those times.

Last week ended on a very positive note and it looks like this week is starting off the same way.

I hope you all have a GREAT start to this new week.  Happy Monday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

National Cheeseburger Day is today. It’s a day to top off America's favorite sandwich, with a piece of cheese.

If you love cheeseburgers, saucy macaroni and meals made in one pot in just 30 minutes, you are going to love this American favourite! This Macaroni Cheeseburger Casserole is a like a Homemade Hamburger Helper, but is a tastier and much healthier version of the wildly popular American boxed pasta.

Cheeseburger Casserole

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 small carrot, chopped 

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 lb ground beef minced 

 12 oz dried elbow macaroni pasta

1/2 cup frozen corn

2 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp hot sauce, adjust to taste

1/2 tsp. chili powder 

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

 2 tbsp tomato paste

Salt and pepper

2 cups grated cheddar 

 More cheese to top

1 scallion, chopped

1 tomato chopped

Heat oil in a dutch oven or deep skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5 minutes or until soft.  Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients except cheese. Stir to combine, bring to simmer then turn down to medium so it simmers gently.

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed but it is still saucy. The pasta should be just about cooked.  Stir through cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste

If you wanted melted cheese on top, scatter extra cheese over then put the lid on for a couple of minutes and the residual heat will melt the cheese.  Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked, tender but firm, not mushy. And it should be slick with sauce, not dried out.

Serve, garnished with shallots and tomatoes, if desired.  Makes 4 or 5 servings

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Love and respect are the most important aspects of parenting, and of all relationships. 

Jodie Foster

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

5266. for good times to celebrate

5267. for burgers, good with cheese

5268. for delightful summer days

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

  

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Be respectful to others as you grow... If we lack respect for one group, then there is a tendency for that attitude to spread. It becomes infectious and no one becomes safe from the ravages of prejudice. 

Walter Annenberg, Kids' Little Instruction Book

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

 You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought

Matthew 5:5 (MSG)